The Role and Creation of Pressure in Training: Perspectives of Athletes and Sport Psychologists

To prepare athletes for psychological pressure of competition, pressure training (PT) systematically applies pressure on athletes during training. This study explored how to create pressure for PT and how PT improves performance in competition. Specifically, it aimed to explore the views of sport psychologists and athletes on: a) common properties of effective pressure manipulations, and b) PT’s mechanisms for improving performance under pressure. Eight sport psychologists and eight international-level athletes participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis identified three properties of effective pressure manipulations: a) extending the reach of consequences, b) simulating psychological demands of competition, and c) approximating, but not replicating, intensity of competition pressure. Analysis also produced three themes that described how PT benefits performance: a) learn and practice coping skills, b) “change the relationship” with pressure, and c) increase the quality of training. Understanding these benefits can help communicate to athletes why they should participate in PT.